HPLC History
1978
LC-3A
The LC-3A introduced constant displacement technology, ensuring quick, precise solvent delivery for reliable HPLC performance.
HPLC History
This timeline highlights the evolution of Shimadzu's High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) systems over the past 150 years. Each milestone showcases Shimadzu's dedication to enhancing precision, efficiency, and user experience in analytical chemistry. From the launch of the first HPLC system to the latest advancements, Shimadzu has played a pivotal role in supporting diverse applications, including pharmaceutical analysis, biomolecular research, and environmental testing.
1981
LC-4A
The microprocessor-controlled ternary gradient and the electrically driven autosampler represented a technological breakthrough at the time.
1982
LC-5A
With the LC-5A Shimadzu launched the first dedicated HPLC system for 1 mm microbore column analysis.
1984
LC-6A
Compact and versatile, the LC-6A offered modular components for seamless, adaptable HPLC system integration.
1991
LC-10A
The LC-10A advanced modular HPLC was the first system to feature an exclusive fiber optic interface, delivering precision, reliability, and innovation. By 1995, more than 50,000 units had been shipped since its introduction, demonstrating unparalleled global acceptance.
1997
LC-VP Series
VP stands for "Validation & Productivity", its innovative features simplified compliance checks and validation processes. With pulseless solvent delivery, rapid micro-volume injections, and high-sensitivity detectors, the LC-VP's design and capabilities paved the way for future developments in liquid chromatography.
2000
LC-2010
As the first of a series of high performance compact systems the LC-2010 marked another milestone in Shimadzu's LC development timeline. Its user-friendly design and advanced features, like smart automation, fast injection cycle time, dynamic inlet technology and precise temperature control, significantly advanced analytical capabilities in its time.
2004
Prominence - LC-20
The LC-20 Series, with its customizable modular design, became the workhorse LC system for many years to come. Due to its widespread populartity, in some markets it is still available today. Renowned for reliability and sensitivity, it featured high-precision pumps and versatile detectors, making it an ideal choice for both, research & development as well as quality control. The LC-20 or Prominence Series set a high standard for performance and innovation in the field.
2010
Nexera X2 - LC-30
The Nexera X2 UHPLC system marked a significant technological breakthrough, catering to the increasing demand for ultra-high-pressure systems. Designed with a robust parallel twin-plunger mechanism, it handled pressures up to 130 MPa, ensuring exceptional reliability and precision. This modular system offered automated sample preparation and column switching, enabling rapid sample processing and outstanding separation efficiency while minimizing cross-contamination. Coupled with its highly sensitive detector design, the Nexera X2 set new standards for analytical excellence.
2014
i-Series
The i-Series compact LC emerged as another response to the trend of higher pressure systems, replacing the older LC-2010. This advanced system offered an intuitive color touch panel and mobile device compatibility simplified operation, while advanced automation features helped to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
2015
Nexera UC
The Nexera UC supercritical fluid chromatography system represents Shimadzu's commitment to adapting the SFC technology for a broader market. This innovative system seamlessly integrates SFC and LC, providing tailored solutions for pharmaceutical, chemical, and food applications. With patented BPR technology, it delivers exceptional accuracy and reproducibility. The Nexera UC offers faster flow rates and higher throughput using an eco-friendly, low-viscosity mobile phase. Its automated method scouting workflow simplifies method screening, making it an essential tool for achieving high sensitivity and efficiency in challenging separations.
2019
Nexera - LC-40
The Nexera Series of modular HPLC and UHPLC systems, embodies the integration of IoT and AI into analytical equipment. This innovative system utilizes advanced sensor technology to set a new standard for "Analytical Intelligence." Designed for optimal lab management, it enables seamless device networking for status monitoring and resource optimization. With features like fully unattended operations, auto-diagnostics, and fast injection speeds, it enhances workflow efficiency, while compact design and low energy consumption also support eco-friendliness. As a state-of-the-art solution, the Nexera Series continues to redefine chromatography performance and intelligence in Shimadzu's current portfolio.
Nexera Prep
Designed to enhance productivity, the Nexera Prep simplifies the preparation and purification of target compounds and impurities. The customizable system allows users to selecta set-up tailored to meet specific needs. With new hardware and software features the Nexera Prep Series transforms preparative workflows, delivering outstanding results with advanced technology and user-friendly operation.
2020
Nexera UC Prep
This newly developed, Preparative Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) system was designed to enhance semi-prep purification in the pharmaceutical industry. Developed in close collaboration with the Enabling Technologies Consortium (ETC), this innovative system optimizes workflows and minimizes labor. Its compact design maximizes lab space, while flexibility allows for various purification methods. With features that improve sample integrity and user-friendly software, the Nexera UC Prep exemplified Shimadzu’s commitment to collaboration and set a new standard in analytical purification.
HIC-ESP
Featuring an innovative and robust electrodialytic ion suppressor design, the HIC-ESP ion chromatograph is a notable advancement in analytical instrumentation, suitable for applications in environmental, food or pharmaceutical analysis. The compact system fits easily even in small spaces and integrates seamlessly with LabSolutions software, streamlining analytical workflows.
2021
LC-2050/2060
Building on its predecessor's compact design, the Advanced i-Series incorporates enhanced pressure resistance and functions that support remote operations. Features like mobile phase monitoring and i-PeakFinder reduce operator workload, improving productivity. With a user-friendly interface that allows management from anywhere, it is ideal for quality control and research in various industries, ensuring reliable results for users of all experience levels.
2022
LabSolutions MD
This advanced method development software supports a systematic approach to optimizing separation conditions using Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) principles. LabSolutions MD offers robust automation and an intuitive GUI for simple set-up of method screening experiments while minimizing the possibility of human error. The software utilizes multifactorial experimental design to accelerate the development of reliable methods, and machine learning for automated gradient optimization. LabSolutions MD enables quick, data-driven decisions in method development, elevating laboratory efficiency and accuracy.
Nexera inert
This bioinert UHPLC system was specifically designed to meet the challenges of biopharmaceutical analysis. Developed in collaboration with Professor Yasushi Ishihama at Kyoto University, the instrument addresses issues such as target molecule adsorption to metal surfaces and corrosion from high-salt mobile phases. Tailored for sensitive biopolymers like antibodies and peptides, this system sets a new standard in reliability and reproducibility within the biopharmaceutical industry.
2023
Nexera UFPLC
This Ultra-fast purification system is a state-of-the-art solution designed to optimize sample preparation. It automatically transfers target compounds from the preparative column to a trap column, efficiently washing away salts and water with organic solvents for rapid elution. This innovative method reduces drying time and ensures high purity products, essential for accurate pharmacokinetic studies and reliable results. By enhancing analytical workflows, this system simplifies processes and elevates research quality.
HPLC Stories
Throughout its 150-year history, Shimadzu has gathered numerous stories that exemplify its role in the advancement of analytical technology. Each narrative reflects the contributions of individuals and the evolution of innovations across various fields. Below, we present some of these stories that highlight key milestones in our journey and the impact they have had.
Improving biopharmaceutical drug development
In recent years, oligonucleotide-based medicines have been recognized for their potential as new treatments for rare and chronic diseases and several new drugs have been approved by regulatory agencies. Analysis of these nucleic acid polymers to confirm identity and purity by LC-MS is a challenge, as they possess several reactive groups that can lead to adsorption onto metal surfaces in a stainless-steel-based UHPLC instrument. This article introduces the improvement of quantitative performance in the LC-MS analysis of oligonucleotides using the Nexera XS inert, a bioinert UHPLC system.
Analyzing the Light of the Future
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are widely used to create digital displays. To ensure high-performance products, the luminous efficiency and stability of OLED materials are essential and undergo strict quality control. This article introduces a novel analytical method for the analysis of OLED materials using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) as well as purification by large-scale prep SFC. Switching from high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to SFC for the analysis of these organic compounds enabled a significant reduction of organic solvent consumption, decreasing both the cost of analysis and the environmental impact. SFC technology offers a valuable alternative to HPLC for analyzing OLED materials.
AI-Powered Precision for Functional Component Testing in Tea Analysis
Analyzing functional foods reveals numerous health benefits. These foods are rich in bioactive compounds that go beyond basic nutrition, boosting the immune system and improving overall wellness. However, analyzing these compounds can be challenging. This article discusses AI algorithms to support automated method development for liquid chromatography, simplifying the process, enhancing labor efficiency, and ensuring precise results, making it accessible to non-experts.
HPLC Events
Are you interested in our HPLC products? You can explore them up close at various upcoming events. Our experts will be available to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there!
HPLC 2025
- When? 15 - 19 June 2025
- Where? Bruges, Belgium
Euroanalysis
- When? 31 August - 4 September 2025
- Where? Barcelona, Spain
SFC Europe 2025
- When? 5 - 7 October 2025
- Where? Basel, Switzerland
SFC User Meeting 2025
- When? 8 October 2025
- Where? Basel, Switzerland
Discover our latest HPLC products
Nexera Series HPLC and UHPLC systems
Discover unmatched reliability and efficiency with the Nexera Series of HPLC and UHPLC instruments. These user-friendly, versatile, and durable systems enhance lab operations using advanced Analytical Intelligence for streamlined workflow and increased productivity. The Nexera Series ensures maximum productivity with features like automated startup, auto-purge, equilibration, and baseline checks, allowing the system to be ready for analysis upon your arrival. It can run seamlessly from startup to shutdown without user intervention. Real-time status and completion time can be monitored remotely via smart devices, and Smart Flow Control eliminates the need for individual startup protocols. In addition, the LCMS-2050 single quadrupole mass spectrometer enhances this automation with a wide mass range, rapid polarity switching, and the Heated DUIS™ ion source, enabling fast and precise molecular weight determination.
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Nexera UC and UC Prep SFC systems
Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), which uses pressurized CO2 in the mobile phase, is gaining popularity. Shimadzu's SFC systems offer versatile configurations for sensitive SFC-MS applications, flexible SFC/LC methods, and purification or extraction solutions.
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LabSolutions MD - method development software
Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD), endorsed by ICH, emphasizes science-based development and risk assessment for analytical methods. LabSolutions MD uses systematic DoE to streamline optimization, visualize factor-response relationships, and simulate chromatograms for robust method development.
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Nexera XS inert - bioinert UHPLC system
The Nexera XS inert, ideal for advanced UHPLC applications, ensures high efficiency and accuracy by minimizing sample adsorption. Its customizable configurations and detector options deliver exceptional precision and robustness for sensitive bioanalysis.
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HIC-ESP Ion Chromatograph
The HIC-ESP is an ion chromatograph with a built-in anion suppressor, combining Shimadzu’s renowned high-performance HPLC characteristics with the high sensitivity of a new generation electrochemical suppressor.
Interested in our HPLC products?